In a very familiar incident in John 12, we
have a stark contrast between two
individuals
and two attitudes. Jesus and His apostles were in Bethany at the
house
of Simon the leper (Matt. 26:6). Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were also with them.
It is then that Mary decided to do something very profound. “Then Mary took a
pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped
His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.”
(John 12:3) Judas’ reaction was one that many would have had, “Why was this
fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (John
12:5) A denarii was the equivalent of a day’s common labor (cf. Matt. 20:9). At
minimum wage, this would put the current day value of the perfume at almost
$20,000.
At first glance, the way we tend to judge
people today, we would label Mary as wasteful and Judas as practical. But let’s
dig a little deeper into the account. John’s inspired commentary on the account
follows by stating of Judas, “This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but
because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put
in it.” (John 12:6) And Jesus, knowing Mary’s and Judas’ hearts and intentions
said of Mary, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial.”
(John 12:7) Matthew’s account also has Jesus saying of Mary, “Why do you
trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.” (Matt. 26:10)
So, let’s take a look and truly contrast
Judas and Mary, with the information the Scriptures give:
* Judas was greedy, but Mary was generous and sacrificial.
* Judas used deception, but Mary was open and sincere.
* Judas outwardly appeared righteous, but Mary used outward
actions to
show her devotion.
This begs a question for us to note. Who
are we more like? Many appear religious, but inwardly are corrupt. The truly
righteous are sincere inside and truly show it on the outside. Luke tells us
that immediately after this incident Satan entered Judas, who then accepted the
chief priests’ offer of just 30 pieces of silver to betray our Savior (Luke
22:3-6; cf. Matt. 26:14-16). What a contrast between Mary who anointed Jesus
with ointment worth a nearly year’s wages, and Judas who betrayed him for a
relative pittance.
Who are you more like?
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